Pentax Optio 33L Review

The Optio 33L is equipped with a Pentax power zoom 5.8mm-17.4mm (equivalent to 38mm-114mm in 35mm format) f/2.6-f/5.0, 6 elements in 5 groups (1 aspherical elements). When powered down the lens will automatically retract into the camera and is protected by a builtin lens cap.

Featuring a 5-point, TTL contrast detection autofocus system with selectable Spot focus option. The AF range is from 1.31 ft to infinity in normal mode and from 0.33 to 1.64 ft in macro mode. Manual focusing is available from 0.33 ft to infinity and has a fixed infinity/landscape setting.

The built-in flash has modes for auto flash, fill-flash in low lighting and backlight condition, flash-on and flash-off and "Red-eye" reduction function which employs a single discharge. The flash working range in Wide Angle is approx. 0.7 - 5.9m (ISO 200) and Tele approx. 0.5 - 2.7m (ISO 200).

The 1.5-inch color LCD monitor swings up and rotates 180° to face forward making it easy to capture self-portrait shots as well as high and low angle shots.

There are dedicated buttons for the Flash mode (functions as the Protect button in play mode) and Focus mode (Macro, Landscape, Manual Focus), it's the image Delete button in play mode. The zoom controls function as the image Index and Magnify buttons in play mode. The button above and to the left of the 4-way is the Play mode button, press it to review images and tap the shutter release to quickly go back to record mode again. The 4-way selector switch is for navigating menu options, press the OK button in the center to accept selections. Press "Up" to change Drive modes in record or to set DPOF printing info in play mode. Press "Down" to change the recording mode (see the next page for the various modes available.) The MENU button calls up or dismisses the onscreen menu system.

On top you'll find the power On/Off button and the shutter release.

Images and movie clips are stored on CompactFlash Type I cards, Pentax provides a 16MB size CF card with the camera. The ejector button pushes the card out just far enough to catch the edge of it with your fingernail.

There is a miniature connector on the side to facilitate both the USB 1.1 data cable and the Audio / Video cable for connection to a TV set.

Below that is the DC IN port for an optional AC power supply or external battery pack.

The Optio 33L is powered by either two AA-size batteries or one of the CR-V3 type batteries. As always, we recommend the use of NiMH rechargeable batteries, they're reusable, carry more power than alkalines and they'll save you money in the long run.

Pentax claims a battery life of up to 650 shots using the CR-V3 type battery.